Montreal, March 17, 2026 — Propulsion Québec and Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) wish to reiterate the importance of maintaining an ambitious zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standard in Quebec. As this policy is, once again, the subject of debate, it is important to put certain elements into perspective. 

A Policy Adopted by Consensus

The ZEV standard is not a recent policy. It was adopted in 1990 in California and in 2016 in Quebec as part of Bill 104 and received unanimous support from the political parties represented in the National Assembly. The standard was implemented gradually starting with the 2018 model year to increase the availability of electric vehicles (EVs) for Quebec consumers.  

Since then, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in Quebec has risen sharply, from 66,639 EVs on the roads in December 2019 to nearly 440,554 in December 2025. Quebec, where nearly 50% of all electric vehicles in the country are on the road, is now the most advanced province in terms of transportation electrification.  

A realistic policy 

The most recent data show that automakers have largely met the standard’s targets. According to the report published in March 2026, the industry has accumulated nearly 735,000 surplus credits since the ZEV standard came into effect—more than triple the credits needed to meet the regulatory requirements for this period. 

Source: MELCCFP: ZEV Standard, Report on Results for the 2022–2024 Compliance Period 

This significant surplus will reduce credit requirements by approximately 20% for the 2025–2027 compliance period and could lead to a reduction of approximately 15% for the 2028–2030 period. These results demonstrate that the standard is not only achievable but has been significantly exceeded by the industry. 

A debate that must be viewed in context 

Some are now suggesting that the ZEV standard should be reconsidered on the grounds that the federal government has abandoned similar policies or that market conditions are less favourable. However, it is important to remember that the Quebec standard was adopted well before the federal government’s intervention and that, since then, the electrification of transportation has become a strategic priority in Canada. The federal government recently adopted an industrial strategy to support the electric vehicle sector and plans to strengthen greenhouse gas emission reduction standards for light-duty vehicles, with the goal of achieving a 90% adoption rate for electric vehicles by 2040. Added to this is the return of incentives for purchasing electric vehicles for the next five years.  

Maintaining an ambitious ZEV standard will not only allow Quebec households to fully benefit from federal programs aimed at promoting the purchase of electric vehicles, but also ensure that Quebec remains a priority market for the introduction of new models. In other words, it is in Quebec’s best interest not to leave these resources on the table. 

Economic Benefits for Consumers 

Electric vehicles also help reduce costs for Quebec households. Several analyses show that the total cost of ownership (TCO) of an electric vehicle can be significantly lower than that of a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. For example, an analysis by Propulsion Québec shows that an electric SUV can save households nearly 20% in total costs compared to an equivalent gasoline model. 

Over the past 25 years, the price of gasoline has risen nearly three times faster than that of electricity. Unlike fuel, the price of electricity remains both reasonable and predictable, despite the significant growth of the electric vehicle fleet in Quebec.  

Source: Hydro-Québec 

Furthermore, according to Electric Mobility Canada, nearly 40 models of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are now available at a price lower than the average selling price of a new vehicle in Quebec in the fourth quarter of 2025. 

It is becoming increasingly important to enable Quebec households to access mobility solutions that are less expensive and less dependent on a gasoline-based energy model. 

An Economic Driver for Quebec 

Beyond the benefits for consumers, the electrification of transportation also represents an economic advantage for Quebec. In a global context marked by volatile oil prices and geopolitical tensions, reducing dependence on imported hydrocarbons is a major economic and energy issue. The oil consumed in Quebec is mostly imported, whereas electricity is produced locally from renewable resources.  

By promoting the electrification of transportation, Quebec leverages its hydroelectric resources, reduces its dependence on international oil markets, and reinvests these revenues in its public services and economy. It is worth noting that with a price per liter nearing $1.90 as of March 17, 2026, it costs over $1 billion per month (before taxes) to import fuel for road vehicles in Quebec, based on the number of liters sold. This capital outflow deserves serious consideration.   

Some concerns have been raised regarding the impact of electric vehicles on the power grid. However, analyses must take into account the smart charging solutions already in place. For example, smart, bidirectional charging not only optimizes the timing of charging but also allows energy stored in vehicle batteries to be fed back into the grid during periods of high demand. This capability can help better manage consumption peaks and support grid stability.

From this perspective, Quebec would benefit from establishing a supportive regulatory framework to enable the deployment of these solutions and maximize the benefits of electric vehicles for the grid. The challenge is not available energy, but managing peaks—a challenge that smart charging helps address. 

Staying the Course 

The ZEV standard does not impose a constraint on the market. Rather, it provides a predictable framework that gives consumers access to an alternative that is more energy-efficient and cost-effective than gasoline-powered vehicles. 

“The ZEV standard helps make Quebec a leader in transportation electrification, while strengthening its economic prosperity and energy sovereignty. As Quebec’s budget is set to be presented tomorrow, we wish to reiterate that the ZEV standard remains a proven tool that offers significant benefits for Quebec, while ensuring sound management of public funds since it is a non-financial measure. We reiterate the importance for public decision-makers to stay the course and continue efforts to support the transition to carbon-free mobility for the benefit of Quebec and Quebecers.”  

— Alexis Laprés-Paradis, CEO of Propulsion Québec. 

 “Quebec has been a North American leader in transportation electrification for nearly 15 years. Seeking to eliminate the ZEV standard would cause us to take a major step backward and increase our economic and geopolitical dependence on oil, whose major negative ecological and health impacts are well documented.”  

— Daniel Breton, CEO of Electric Mobility Canada 

For more information: 

Propulsion Québec:  
Marie-Josée Côté, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy 
marie-josee.cote@propulsionquebec.com  
514-772-5716 

Electric Mobility Canada: 
Anna Schuett, Director of Communications 
Anna.Schuett@emc-mec.ca  
(514) 787-2757